Variable coding length for resource allocation

ABSTRACT

According to one general aspect, a method comprising establishing a connection with at least one mobile station (MS). The method further comprising, in one embodiment, allocating communication resources, in resource blocks, to the MS. In various embodiments, the method also comprising selecting a size of a burst length field based in part upon a bandwidth and a number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols used to communicate with the MS. In another example embodiment, the method also comprising selecting a size of a burst length field based in part upon a bandwidth and scheduling time duration (which can be based upon sub-frame, multiple sub-frame or frame duration) used to communicate with the MS. In one embodiment, the method may also include transmitting, to the MS, a message that includes the burst length field. In some embodiments, the burst length field may indicate to the MS the number of resource blocks allocated to the MS for purposes of communication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/078,364, filed Jul. 4, 2008, titled“VARIABLE CODING LENGTH FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to mobile communication technology, and morespecifically to the reduction of overhead when allocating resourceblocks for mobile communication.

BACKGROUND

Typically, wireless networks include a base station that generallycouples a wired network with a wireless network and mobile station thatuses the wireless network. Often these two devices are in directcommunication. However, multiple wireless network standards are in useor development. Due to the ranged nature of wireless networks, it ispossible that a mobile station may be connected to or in the range of anumber of wireless networks.

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is atelecommunications technology often aimed at providing wireless dataover long distances (e.g. kilometers) in a variety of ways, frompoint-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. A networkbased upon WiMAX is occasionally also called a Wireless MetropolitanAccess Network (WirelessMAN or WMAN); although, it is understood thatWMANs may include protocols other than WiMAX. WiMAX often includes anetwork that is substantially in compliance with the IEEE 802.16standards, their derivatives, or predecessors (hereafter, “the 802.16standard”). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEEStandard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks, Part 16, IEEE Std.802.16-2004.

One particular derivative of the 802.16 standard is the 802.16e standardthat addresses mobility. Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers, IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks, Part16, Amendment 2, IEEE Std. 802.16e—2005.

One particular derivative of the 802.16 standard is the, as yetfinished, 802.16m standard that attempts to increase the data rate ofwireless transmissions to 1 Gbps while maintaining backwardscompatibility with older networks. IEEE 802.16 Broadband Wireless AccessWorking Group, IEEE 802.16m System Requirements, Oct. 19, 2007.

SUMMARY

According to one general aspect, a method comprising establishing aconnection with at least one mobile station (MS). The method furthercomprising, in one embodiment, allocating communication resources, inresource blocks, to the MS. In various embodiments, the method alsocomprising selecting a size of a burst length field based in part upon abandwidth and a number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing(OFDM) symbols used to communicate with the MS. In another exampleembodiment, the method also comprising selecting a size of a burstlength field based in part upon a bandwidth and scheduling time duration(which can be based upon sub-frame, multiple sub-frame or frameduration) used to communicate with the MS. In one embodiment, the methodmay also include transmitting, to the MS, a message that includes theburst length field. In some embodiments, the burst length field mayindicate to the MS the number of resource blocks allocated to the MS forpurposes of communication.

According to another general aspect, an apparatus comprising a wirelesstransceiver, a controller, and a memory. In one embodiment, the wirelesstransceiver may be configured to establish a connection with at leastone mobile station (MS), and wirelessly transmit, to the MS, a messagethat includes a burst length field. In various embodiments, thecontroller may be configured to allocate communication resources, inresource blocks, to the MS, and select a size of a burst length fieldbased in part upon a bandwidth and a number of orthogonalfrequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols used to communicate withthe MS. In another example embodiment, the controller may alsoconfigured to allocated communication resources, in resource blocks, tothe MS, and selecting a size of a burst length field based in part upona bandwidth and scheduling time duration (which can be based uponsub-frame, multiple sub-frame or frame duration) used to communicatewith the MS. In some embodiments, the memory may be configured to storethe burst length field. In various embodiments, the burst length fieldmay indicate to the MS the number of resource blocks allocated to the MSfor purposes of communication.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

A system and/or method for communicating information, substantially asshown in and/or described in connection with at least one of thefigures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of example embodiments of apparatuses inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a resourceallocation in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a message inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a table of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a table of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a table of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a technique inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a technique inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures in which like numerals indicate like elements,FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network 102 including a basestation (BS) 104 and mobile stations (MSs) 106, 108, 110, according toan example embodiment. Each of the MSs 106, 108, 110 may be associatedwith BS 104, and may transmit data in an uplink direction to BS 104, andmay receive data in a downlink direction from BS 104, for example.Although only one BS 104 and three mobile stations (MSs 106, 108 and110) are shown, any number of base stations and mobile stations may beprovided in network 102. Also, although not shown, mobile stations 106,108 and 110 may be coupled to base station 104 via relay stations orrelay nodes, for example. The base station 104 may be connected viawired or wireless links to another network 114, such as a Local AreaNetwork, a Wide Area Network (WAN), the Internet, etc. In variousembodiments, the base station 104 may be coupled or connected with theother network 120 via an access network controller (ASN) or gateway (GW)112 that may control, monitor, or limit access to the other network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless device 201 in accordance with anexample embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In one embodiment,the wireless device 201 may include a base station (BS) or a mobilestation (MS) such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, thewireless device 201 may include a wireless transceiver 202, a controller204, and a memory 206. In some embodiments, the transceiver 202 mayinclude a wireless transceiver configured to operate based upon awireless networking standard (e.g. WiMAX, WiFi, WLAN, etc.). In variousembodiments, the controller 204 may include a processor. In variousembodiments, the memory 206 may include permanent (e.g. compact disc,etc.), semi-permanent (e.g. a hard drive, etc.), or temporary (e.g.volatile random access memory, etc.) memory. For example, someoperations illustrated and/or described herein, may be performed by acontroller 204, under control of software, firmware, or a combinationthereof. In another example, some components illustrated and/ordescribed herein, may be stored in memory 206.

FIG. 2 is also a block diagram of a wireless device 203 in accordancewith an example embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In oneembodiment, the wireless device 201 may include a base station (BS) or amobile station (MS) such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. In oneembodiment, the wireless device 201 may include a wireless transceiver202, a controller 204, and a memory 206. In various embodiments, thewireless device 203 may also include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 208configured to perform mathematical computations, as described below. Insome embodiments, the controller 204 may include the ALU 208. In variousembodiments, the wireless device 203 may include an Exponential OffsetValue 210, as described below in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In someembodiments, the memory 206 may include or store the Exponential OffsetValue 210. For example, some operations illustrated and/or describedherein, may be performed by the ALU 208, under control of software,firmware, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a resourceallocation 300 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Often inwireless communication a base station (BS) or other device may controlthe use of communication resources. These communication resources may bebroken into chunks or discrete portions known as resource blocks. Invarious embodiments, the communication resources may include splittingthe available bandwidth (or communication frequency) into a number ofsubcarriers or sub-channels.

Another communication resource may include orthogonal frequency-divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) symbols. OFDM may include a frequency-divisionmultiplexing (FDM) scheme utilized as a digital multi-carrier modulationtechnique. In various embodiments, a large number of closely-spaced ordistributed orthogonal sub-carriers may be used to carry data. The datamay be divided into several parallel data streams or channels, one foreach sub-carrier. Each sub-carrier may, in one embodiment, be modulatedwith a conventional modulation scheme (such as quadrature amplitudemodulation (QAM) or Quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)) at a lowsymbol rate.

In various embodiments, these sub-channels and OFDM symbols may beconceptually arranged in a rectangular fashion. FIG. 3 is a blockdiagram of an example embodiment of a resource allocation 300 inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter. In such an embodiment, theresource blocks may be arranged with the sub-channels 302 as a firstaxis, and the number of OFDM symbols 304 as a second axis. In theillustrative example embodiment of resource allocation 300, the totalnumber of resource blocks is 64, divided into 8 sub-channels and 8 setsof OFDM symbols. Although, it is understood that the above is merely oneillustrative example to which the disclosed subject matter is notlimited.

In such an embodiment, the BS 104 may allocate resources to the threeMSs 106, 108, and 110. For example, the MS 106 may be allocated 24resource blocks comprising allocation #1 306. For example, the MS 108may be allocated 8 resource blocks comprising allocation #2 308. Forexample, the MS 110 may be allocated 6 resource blocks comprisingallocation #3 310. In various embodiments, these allocations may changeor be subject to change during each allocation period, which may be, inone embodiment, a period of time measured in milliseconds.

In some embodiments, the BS 104 may communicate this allocation schemeto the MSs 106, 108, and 110 via a Medium Access Protocol (MAP) message.However, it is understood that different protocols or communicationstandards may use different message to communicate the information. Invarious embodiments, two MAP messages may be used, one for the downlink(DL) allocation (BS to MS communication), and another for uplink (UL)communication (MS to BS communication). Although only one genericallocation message and scheme is discussed herein, it is understood thatthe message and scheme may be used for either or both DL and ULmessages. Also, it is understood that the DL and UL allocation may makeuse of different schemes for allocation and communication of thatallocation, and are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a message 400 inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter. In one embodiment, themessage 400 may include at least one prior field 402, a burst lengthfield 404, and at least one subsequent field 406. In variousembodiments, the prior field 402 may include (not shown) a managementtype field, a physical layer (PHY) synchronization field, a channeldescriptor count field, or a base station identifier (BSID) field;although, it is understood that the above are merely a few illustrativeexamples to which the disclosed subject matter is not limited. Invarious embodiments, the subsequent field 406 may include (not shown) apadding nibble; although, it is understood that the above is merely oneillustrative example to which the disclosed subject matter is notlimited. In various embodiments, the burst length field 404 may includea fixed sized portion 412 and a variable sized portion 414, as describedbelow in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Of immediate interest is the burst length field 404. In variousembodiments, the burst length field 404 may indicate the duration ortotal number of resource blocks in the resource block allocationassigned to the receiving MS. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3,the burst length 404 value for allocation #1 306 to MS 104 would be 24.In the 802.16e standard, this field 404 may be referred to as a durationfield. For UL messages in the 802.16e standard, the duration field mayhave a length or size of 10 bits. This 802.16e burst length field holdsa simple un-encoded binary number, and may accommodate an allocation ofup to 1024 resource blocks (1024=2¹⁰). Although, it is understood thatthe above are merely a few illustrative examples to which the disclosedsubject matter is not limited.

FIG. 5 is a table 500 of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter. In various embodiments, there may bemore or less available resource blocks than the 10 bit burst lengthfield of the 802.16e standard (herein used as a reference embodiment)can or needs to accommodate. In one embodiment, the number of availableor allocatable resource blocks may be determined by the frequency orbandwidth used to communicate between the BS and the MS (and vice versa)and the number of OFDM symbols or scheduling interval used tocommunicate between the BS and the MS. In one embodiment, the BS and MSmay determine the maximum number of bits or size to use to represent theburst length field 404.

Table 500 represents twelve different example embodiments of the system100 of FIG. 1. Column 502 illustrates the System Bandwidth or frequencyof used by the BS 104 and MS 106 to communicate. Column 504 illustratesthree embodiments, in which the Downlink uses a scheme known as PartialUsage of Sub-Channels (PUSC) and in which no UL sub-frames or resourceblocks are allocated, giving the DL full use of all available resourceblocks. Column 506 illustrates three embodiments, in which the UL usesPUSC and six OFDM symbols have been reserved for the DL. Column 508illustrates three embodiments in which the 802.16m standard is used with1 sub-frame or 6 OFDM symbols. Column 510 illustrates three embodimentsin which the 802.16m standard is used with 2 sub-frames or 12 OFDMsymbols.

In various embodiments, instead of using a one-size-fits-allpreconfigured burst length size (e.g. 10 bit as in 802.16e) regardlessof the actual number of available resource blocks, the BS 104 and MS 106may select dynamically or during system configuration a size for theburst length field 404. In various embodiments, this size may be basedupon the frequency and number of OFDM symbols or scheduling intervalused to communicate between the BS and MS.

In some embodiments, the size of the burst length field 404 may beselected by determining the frequency or bandwidth used forcommunication with the MS. In one embodiment, the size of the burstlength field 404 may be selected by determining the number of OFDMsymbols or scheduling interval used to communicate with the MS. In suchan embodiment, a look-up table, based on the frequency and number ofOFDM symbols (e.g. table 500), may be used to select the size of theburst length field 404.

For example, in one embodiment, a BS 104 may be configured to use abandwidth of 20 MHz and the 802.16m standard of 2 sub-frames (12 OFDMsymbols). In such an embodiment, these bandwidth and symbol values maybe determined during the configuration of the BS 104. The BS 104 maythen use table 500, or a similar look-up table to determine that aminimum of 8 bits is needed to represent all possible available 192resource blocks (a savings of 2 bits compared to the 802.16e 10 bitreference). In some embodiments, the BS 104 may calculate the number ofavailable resource blocks and then compute the minimum number of bitsneeded to represent that value. The above have assumed embodiments inwhich the burst length value is stored as an un-encoded binary number;however, other encoding schemes are possible and within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter.

In various embodiments, the BS 104 may transmit a message to the MS 106indicating the size of the burst length field 404. In anotherembodiment, the MS 104 may infer or independently derive the size of theburst length field 404 based upon available data. For example, in oneembodiment, the BS 104 may periodically broadcast a message, which maybe received by an MS, that indicates a bandwidth value and a sub-frameconcatenation value or scheduling interval or the number of OFDMsymbols. In a specific embodiment, in the 802.16e standard such amessage is referred to as a Channel Descriptor message (e.g. a DLchannel descriptor (DCD) or UL channel descriptor (UCD)). In anotherspecific embodiment, in the 802.16m standard such a message may bereferred to as a Broadcast Channel message. Although, it is understoodthat the above are merely a few illustrative examples to which thedisclosed subject matter is not limited. In such an embodiment, the BS104 may simply assume that the MS 106 will determine the size of theburst length field 404 using the bandwidth value and scheduling intervalvalue.

In such an embodiment as discussed above in reference to Table 500, thesize of the burst length value 404 may vary from BS to BS, as each BSmay use a different bandwidth and number of OFDM symbols or schedulinginterval per sub-frame. As such, the MS 104 may resize its expected sizefor the burst length field 404 as it moves from BS to BS.

FIG. 6 is a table 600 of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter. In various embodiments, the burstlength field 404 may include a fixed sized portion 410 and a variablesized portion 412, as described above. In various embodiments, the sizeof the variable sized portion 412 may be based upon or merely related tothe value of the fixed sized portion 410. In such an embodiment, thevalue of the burst length field 404 may be based upon three values, thevalue of the fixed sized portion 410 (F), the value of the variablesized portion 412 (V), and an Exponential Offset Value 210 (E).

In one embodiment, the table 600 may include the following: a fixedsized value column 602 that represents the possible values of the fixedsized portion 410; a variable sized number of bits column 604 thatrepresents the possible sizes of the variable sized portion 412; a totalburst length number of bits column 606 that represents the size of thetotal burst length field 404, and a possible allocation blocks column608 that represents the possible number of resource blocks that may beallocated or the values of the burst length field 404 given the size ofthe burst length field 404.

In one embodiment, the value (B) of the burst length field 404 may becomputed, for non-zero values of the fixed sized portion 410, as oneplus the value of the variable sized portion 412 (V) plus, two to thepower of the value of the fixed sized portion 410 (F) added to theExponential Offset Value 210 (E) (i.e., B=(1+V)+2^((F+E))). Whereas, inone embodiment, for cases in which the value of the fixed sized portion410 is zero, the value of the burst length field 404 may equal one plusthe value of the variable sized portion 412 (i.e., B=1+V). Stated in amore pseudo-code fashion, the value of the burst length field 404, inone embodiment, may be computed as:

If (F == 0)    { B = 1 + V } else    { B = (1+V) + 2^((F+E)) }

Table 600 illustrates an embodiment in which the size of the fixed sizedportion 410 is set to 3-bits and may represent values of 0-7. In thisembodiment, the exponential offset value 210 may be set to one. Invarious embodiments, the exponential offset value 210 may be set duringsystem or device configuration or, in other embodiments, may be derivedfrom the bandwidth and scheduling interval or OFDM symbol settings orindicated in system broadcast message.

In one illustrative example embodiment, a system similar to system 100of FIG. 1 may include five (versus three) MSs. In such an embodiment,the BS 104 may allocate 3, 11, 45, 13, and 7 resource blocks to each MS,respectively. If, in one embodiment, the system uses a schemerepresented in table 600 to encode the burst length field 404, thenumber of bits used for each MS would equal 5, 6, 8, 6, and 5,respectively. This would bring the total size of the five burst lengthfields 404 to 30 bits (5+6+8+6+5=30). Compared to the 802.16e standardof 10 bits per burst length field (totaling 50 bits), this scheme wouldbe a savings of 20 bits or 40%. Although, it is understood that theabove is merely one illustrative example to which the disclosed subjectmatter is not limited.

In various embodiments, the value of the fixed sized portion 410 (F) maybe computed by calculating the integer portion of a binary logarithm ofthe number of allocated resource blocks (R) minus one and subtractingthe exponential offset value 210 (E) (i.e., F=int(log₂(R−1))−E). In someembodiments, the lowest possible value of the fixed sized portion 410may be zero. So, for example if the computation produced a negativevalue (e.g. if R=2 and E=2, then F would compute to −1), the value ofthe fixed sized portion 410 may be set to zero. However, in anotherembodiment, a negative value may be acceptable.

In various embodiments, the size of the fixed sized portion 410 (Fs) andthe exponential offset value 210 (E) may be predetermined. In oneembodiment, the size of the fixed sized portion 410 and the exponentialoffset value 210 may be selected such that two to the power of thehighest possible value of fixed sized portion 410 (F) (e.g. 7 if thefixed sized portion 410 includes 3 bits) plus the exponential offsetvalue 210 is equal to one-half of the total number of available resourceblocks (R) (i.e., 2^((max(F)+E))=max(R)/2). In various embodiments, asize of the fixed sized portion 410 may be selected to minimize thetotal number of bits used for the burst length field 404.

In various embodiments, the size of the variable sized portion 412 (Vs)may be computed by calculating the integer portion of the binarylogarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks (R) minus one(i.e., Vs=int(log₂(R−1)). For example, if 234 resource blocks have beenallocated in the system based upon table 600 (Fs=3 and E=1) the size ofthe variable sized portion 412 may equal 7 bits. In some embodiments,the lowest possible size of the variable sized portion 412 may be oneplus the exponential offset value 210 (E) (i.e., min(Vs)=1+E). So, forexample if the computation produced a below minimum value or undefinedvalue (e.g. if R=2, then Vs would compute to 1), the size of thevariable sized portion 412 would be set to the minimum (e.g. min(Vs)=2if E=1). However, in another embodiment, other computations and minimumsmay be used and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to theillustrative embodiment above.

In various embodiments, the value of the variable sized portion 412 (V)may be computed by determining if the value of the fixed value portion410 (F) is zero. If it is zero, the value of the variable sized portion412 (V) may be computed as or set to the number of allocated resourceblocks (R) minus one (i.e., if (F==0) then V=R−1). In some embodiments,if the value of the fixed value portion 410 (F) is positive, the valueof the variable sized portion 412 (V) may be computed as or set to thenumber of allocated resource blocks (R) minus one, minus two to thepower of the binary logarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks(i.e., if (F>=0) then V=R−1−2^(k) where k=floor(log₂ R)). However, inanother embodiment, other computations and minimums may be used and thedisclosed subject matter is not limited to the illustrative embodimentabove.

Returning to the previous illustrative embodiment in which one BScommunicated with five MSs. As described above, the MSs may be allocated3, 11, 45, 13, and 7 resource blocks, respectively. In an embodimentillustrated by Table 600, the first MS's fixed sized portion 410 mayhave a value of 0 and the variable sized portion 412 may have a value of3 or “10”, in binary. The second MS's fixed sized portion 410 may have avalue of 2 and the variable sized portion 412 may have a value of 2 or“010”. The third MS's fixed sized portion 410 may have a value of 4 andthe variable sized portion 412 may have a value of 12 or “101100”. Thefourth MS's fixed sized portion 410 may have a value of 2 and thevariable sized portion 412 may have a value of 4 or “1100”. The fifthand last MS's fixed sized portion 410 may have a value of 1 and thevariable sized portion 412 may have a value of 2 or “10”. The reader isreminded that generally, in this embodiment, as the value of the fixedsized portion 410 increases the size of the variable sized portion 412increases. So, the third MS uses 5 bits to represent the variable sizedportion 412 despite the most significant binary bit (MSB) equaling zero.Although, it is understood that the above are merely a few illustrativeexamples to which the disclosed subject matter is not limited.

FIG. 7 is a table 700 of an example embodiment of a system in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter. In one embodiment, the table 700 mayinclude the following: a fixed sized value column 702 that representsthe possible values of the fixed sized portion 410; a variable sizednumber of bits column 704 that represents the possible sizes of thevariable sized portion 412; a total burst length number of bits column&06 that represents the size of the total burst length field 404, and apossible allocation blocks column 708 that represents the possiblenumber of resource blocks that may be allocated or the values of theburst length field 404 given the size of the burst length field 404.

In such an embodiment, the system using table 700 may be able toallocate 1024 resource blocks. For example, a greater bandwidth may beused etc. in this system than the system using table 600 that mayallocate up to 512 resource blocks. In one embodiment, the ability toallocate 1024 resource blocks may occur by increasing the exponentialoffset value 210 from 1 to 2, as shown in table 700. However, it isunderstood that other techniques may be used, such as, increasing thenumber bits or size of the fixed sized portion 410.

In various embodiments, shown for examples in table 600 and table 700,there may be instances or resource block allocations in which the totalnumber of bits used to represent the fixed sized portion 410 and thevariable sized portion 412 may be equal to or greater than the bitsneeded to represent the allocation using a simple un-encoded binarynumber. For example, in one embodiment, a 1024 resource block allocationwould use 12 bits in the scheme illustrated by Table 700, but only 10bits in the 802.16e standard; although, it is understood that the aboveis merely one illustrative example to which the disclosed subject matteris not limited.

In such an embodiment, if the number of allocated resource blocks isless than or equal to one-fourth a maximum number of possible resourceblocks, the size of the burst length field may be equal to or less thanthe binary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks.In one embodiment, if the number of allocated resource blocks is greaterthan one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, the sizeof the burst length field may be is greater than the binary logarithm ofthe maximum number of possible resource blocks. In various embodiments,the technique similar to those illustrated by tables 600 and 700 may beused in environments in which relatively small resource blockallocations are expected to be made.

In various embodiments, the BS may broadcast a message (e.g., a DCD,UCD, etc.) that includes an indication of the encoding scheme used toencode the burst length field. In one such embodiment, the message mayinclude the size of the fixed sized portion 410 and the exponentialoffset value 210. In various embodiments, the MS may decode a burstlength field 404 given these two values. In another embodiment, thevalues may be standardized in general or based upon a bandwidth andsub-frame concatenation value, scheduling interval, as described above.In another embodiment, the encoding scheme change message may select anencoding scheme from a predefined list of schemes. For example, in oneembodiment, the schemes may include those of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and ageneric scheme such as the 802.16e 10 bit scheme; although, it isunderstood that the above are merely a few illustrative examples towhich the disclosed subject matter is not limited.

In various embodiments, the BS 104 may be capable of dynamicallychanging the encoding scheme, for example if the previous scheme becomesinefficient. In one such embodiment, prior to changing schemes the BS104 may broadcast an encoding scheme change message, as described above.For example, in various embodiments, the number of available resourceblocks may be split between DL and UL phases. In some embodiments, theportioning of the DL and ULs may dynamically change. In one specificillustrative embodiment, 1024 resource blocks may be available betweenthe DL and UL. Originally these blocks may be apportioned as 512 to theDL and 512 to the UL. In such an embodiment, the scheme illustrated byTable 600 may be used. However, if the portioning was dynamicallyaltered to 768 DL and 256 UL, the encoding scheme may change to the oneillustrated by Table 700 for the DL and another scheme not explicitlyshown (e.g. one with a exponential offset value 210 of zero, or a 2 bitfixed sized portion 410, etc.) for the UL. Although, it is understoodthat the above are merely a few illustrative examples to which thedisclosed subject matter is not limited.

In various embodiments, an index value, not just the burst length field404, may be encoded using the encoding scheme discussed above inreference to FIGS. 6 & 7. In various embodiments, the indexes mayinclude an Automatic Repeat-reQuest (ARQ) offset or sequence number,connection identifiers; although, it is understood that the above aremerely a few illustrative examples to which the disclosed subject matteris not limited. These selected fields may be encoded using a fixed sizedportion and a variable sized portion. In various embodiments, atransmitted field that is allocated more bits than is usually needed maybe made more efficient by converting to the above technique. In someembodiments, one or more transmitted fields may include the fixed sizedportion and variable sized portion, as described above.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a technique 800 inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter. In various embodiments,parts or all of the technique 800 may be the results of the operationsof the system 100 of FIG. 1 or devices 201 and 203 of FIG. 2. Although,it is understood that other systems and timing diagrams may producetechnique 800. Furthermore, it is understood that FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8c represent a single flowchart illustrated on multiple pages andconnected via the connectors of Blocks 801 and 803, here-before and hereafter the multiple pages will simply be referred to as FIG. 8.

Further, in various embodiments, some of the sub-portions or sub-actionsof the actions illustrated by FIG. 8 as occurring within technique 800may be mutually exclusive. In the illustrated embodiment, some of thesesub-actions have been grouped via dotted boxes such that independentgroups of sub-actions may be more clearly defined. Also, it isunderstood that one or more actions may be represented multiple timeswithin FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c as space may limit the ability toillustrate the desired variations (again, possibly mutually exclusivevariations) that may be included in various embodiments of the action.In addition, it is understood that not all embodiments may include everyaction or sub-action or may not occur in the illustrated order. It isunderstood that the herein are merely a few illustrative examples towhich the disclosed subject matter is not limited.

Block 802 illustrates that, in one embodiment, a connection with atleast one mobile station (MS) may be established, as described above. Invarious embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the transceiver202 of FIG. 2 may perform this action, as described above.

Block 804 illustrates that, in one embodiment, communication resources,measured in resource blocks, may be allocated to the MS, as describedabove. In various embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or thecontroller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform this action, as described above.

Block 806 illustrates that, in one embodiment, a message may bebroadcast to the MS that indicates a bandwidth value and a schedulinginterval value, as described above. In some embodiments, the schedulinginterval value may include a sub-frame concatenation, as describedabove. In various embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or thetransceiver 202 of FIG. 2 may perform this action, as described above.Block 808 illustrates that, in one embodiment, the BS may assume thatthe MS will determine the size of the burst length field using thebandwidth value and scheduling interval value, as described above. Invarious embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller204 of FIG. 2 may perform this action, as described above.

Block 810 illustrates that, in one embodiment, a size of a burst lengthfield may be selected, as described above. In some embodiments, the sizemay be based in part upon a bandwidth and a number of orthogonalfrequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols or scheduling intervalused to communicate with the MS, as described above. In variousembodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller 204 ofFIG. 2 may perform this action, as described above.

Block 812 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may includedetermining the bandwidth used for communication with the MS, asdescribed above. Block 814 illustrates that, in one embodiment,selecting may include determining a value corresponding to thescheduling interval (e.g. the number of OFDM symbols) used tocommunicate with the MS, as described above. Block 816 illustrates that,in one embodiment, selecting may include using a look-up table basedupon the bandwidth and a value corresponding to the scheduling intervalto select the size of the burst length field, as described above. Invarious embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, as described above.

In one embodiment, selecting may include determining a number ofresource blocks assigned to the MS, as described above. In variousembodiments, determining may include simply retrieving the allocationvalue from Block 804, as described above. In various embodiments, thebase station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 may performthis action, as described above.

Block 830 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may includecomputing the value of the fixed sized portion by the following steps.Blocks 832 and 834 illustrate that, in one embodiment, computing mayinclude calculating an integer portion of a binary logarithm of thenumber of allocated resource blocks minus one and from that subtractinga predetermined exponential offset value from the integer portion of thebinary logarithm, as described above. Block 836 illustrates that, in oneembodiment, the lowest value of the fixed sized portion may be zero, asdescribed above. Block 837 illustrates that, in one embodiment, thecomputed value into a binary representation using a number of bits equalto the number of bits of the fixed sized portion, as described above. Invarious embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, as described above.

Block 840 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may includecomputing the value of the variable sized portion as described by thefollowing steps. Block 842 illustrates that, in one embodiment, if thevalue of the fixed sized portion is zero, setting the value of thevariable sized portion equal to the number of allocated resource blocksminus one, as described above. Block 844 illustrates that, in oneembodiment, if the value of the fixed sized portion is greater thanzero, setting the value of the variable sized portion equal to thenumber of allocated resource blocks minus one minus two to the power ofthe integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of allocatedresource blocks, as described above. In various embodiments, the basestation 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform theseactions, as described above.

Block 850 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may includecomputing the size of the variable sized portion by the following steps.Block 852 illustrates that, in one embodiment, computing may includecalculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of one less thanthe number of allocated resource blocks, as described above. Block 854illustrates that, in one embodiment, the smallest size of the variablesized portion equals one plus a predetermined exponential offset value,as described above. In various embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG.1 or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, asdescribed above.

Block 860 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may includedetermining a maximum number of possible resource blocks based upon thebandwidth and number of OFDM symbols, as described above. Block 862illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may include computing amaximum size of the variable sized portion by calculating the binarylogarithm of the number of resource blocks minus one (i.e.,Vs=int(log₂(R−1)), as described above. Block 864 illustrates that, inone embodiment, selecting may include computing a fixed sized portionby, for a given exponential offset value, calculating the integerportion of the binary logarithm of the number of resource blocks minusone, and subtracting the exponential offset value, wherein the fixedsized portion has a minimum value of zero, as described above. Inanother embodiment, the size of the fixed sized portion may be computedas follows: the number of bits for the fixed portion (F_(s)) may beequal to, subject to a ceiling or maximum value, the binary logarithm ofa binary logarithm, subject to a floor or minimum value, of the maximumnumber of possible allocated resource blocks minus one, one minus theexponential offset value (i.e.,F_(s)=ceiling(log₂(floor(log₂(R_(max)−1))+1−E)), as described above. Invarious embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, as described above.

Block 866 illustrates that, in one embodiment, selecting may include ifthe number of allocated resource blocks is less than or equal toone-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, selecting asize of the burst length field that is equal to or less than the binarylogarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks, asdescribed above. Block 868 illustrates that, in one embodiment,selecting may include if the number of allocated resource blocks isgreater than one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks,selecting a size of the burst length field that is greater than thebinary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks, asdescribed above. In various embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, as describedabove.

Block 870 illustrates that, in one embodiment, a message may betransmitted that indicates an encoding scheme used to encode the burstlength field, as described above. Block 872 illustrates that, in oneembodiment, a message may be transmitted, to the MS, that includes theburst length field, as described above. In various embodiments, the basestation 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform theseactions, as described above.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a technique 900 inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter. In various embodiments,the technique 900 may be included as part of technique 800.

Block 902 illustrates that, in one embodiment, an index field ornumerical field may be encoded for transmission, as described above.Block 904 illustrates that, in one embodiment, the encoded index fieldmay include a fixed sized portion, and a variable sized portion, asdescribed above. In various embodiments, the size of the variable sizedportion is related to the value of the fixed size portion, as describedabove. In various embodiments, the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or thecontroller 204 of FIG. 2 may perform these actions, as described above.

Block 906 illustrates that, in one embodiment, the value of the indexfield is calculated using the following steps. Block 908 illustratesthat, in one embodiment, if the value of the fixed sized portion isnon-positive, the value of the index field may be equal to one plus thevalue of the variable sized portion, as described above. Block 910illustrates that, in one embodiment, if the value of the fixed sizedportion is positive, the value of the index field may be equal to oneplus the value of the variable sized portion plus two to the power ofthe sum of the value of the fixed sized portion and an predeterminedexponential offset value, as described above. In various embodiments,the base station 104 of FIG. 1 or the controller 204 of FIG. 2 mayperform these actions, as described above.

Block 912 illustrates that, in one embodiment, the index field may betransmitted, as described above. In various embodiments, the basestation 104 of FIG. 1 or the transmitter 202 of FIG. 2 may perform theseactions, as described above.

Implementations of the various techniques described herein may beimplemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Implementations mayimplemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer programtangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g. in a machine-readablestorage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or tocontrol the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g. a programmableprocessor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program, suchas the computer program(s) described above, can be written in any formof programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages,and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program oras a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in acomputing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executedon one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributedacross multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

Method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processorsexecuting a computer program to perform functions by operating on inputdata and generating output. Method steps also may be performed by, andan apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry,e.g. an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory ora random access memory or both. Elements of a computer may include atleast one processor for executing instructions and one or more memorydevices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer alsomay include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transferdata to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data,e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Informationcarriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of examplesemiconductor memory devices, e.g. EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memorydevices; magnetic disks, e.g. internal hard disks or removable disks;magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor andthe memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in special purposelogic circuitry.

Implementations may be implemented in a computing system that includes aback-end component, e.g. as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, e.g. an application server, or that includes a front-endcomponent, e.g. a client computer having a graphical user interface or aWeb browser through which a user can interact with an implementation, orany combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components.Components may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication, e.g. a communication network. Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network(WAN), e.g. the Internet.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theembodiments.

1. A method comprising: establishing a connection with at least one mobile station (MS); allocating communication resources, in resource blocks, to the MS; selecting a size of a burst length field based in part upon a bandwidth and a scheduling interval used to communicate with the MS; transmitting, to the MS, a message that includes the burst length field; and wherein the value of the burst length field indicates to the MS the number of resource blocks allocated to the MS for purposes of communication.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting includes: determining the bandwidth used for communication with the MS; determining a value corresponding to the scheduling interval used to communicate with the MS; and using a look-up table based upon the bandwidth and a value corresponding to the scheduling interval to select the size of the burst length field.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the burst length field includes: a fixed sized portion; and a variable sized portion, wherein the size of the variable sized portion is related to the value of the fixed size portion.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein selecting includes: determining a maximum number of possible resource blocks based upon the bandwidth and scheduling interval; computing a maximum size of the variable sized portion by calculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of resource blocks minus one; and computing a fixed sized portion by, for a exponential offset value, calculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of resource blocks minus one, and subtracting the exponential offset value, wherein the fixed sized portion has a minimum value of zero.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein the fixed size portion of the burst length field includes a fixed number of bits.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein selecting includes, for each of the at least one MS: computing the value of the fixed sized portion by: calculating an integer portion of a binary logarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, subtracting a predetermined exponential offset value from the integer portion of the binary logarithm, and setting the result to zero if the value is negative, and converting the final value in the binary format with the fixed number of bits.
 7. The method of claim 3 wherein selecting includes, for each of the at least one MS: computing the size of the variable sized portion by: calculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of one less than the number of allocated resource blocks; wherein the smallest size of the variable sized portion equals one plus a predetermined exponential offset value.
 8. The method of claim 3 wherein selecting includes, for each of the at least one MS: computing the value of the variable sized portion as: if the value of the fixed sized portion is zero, setting the value of the variable sized portion equal to the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, and if the value of the fixed sized portion is greater than zero, setting the value of the variable sized portion equal to: the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, minus two to the power of the integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks, and converting the final value in the binary format with the size given by the variable sized portion
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting includes: if the number of allocated resource blocks is less than or equal to one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, selecting a size of the burst length field that is equal to or less than the binary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks; and if the number of allocated resource blocks is greater than one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, selecting a size of the burst length field that is greater than the binary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks.
 10. The method of claim 1 further including transmitting a message that indicates an encoding scheme used to encode the burst length field.
 11. The method of claim 1 further including: broadcasting a message to the MS that indicates a bandwidth value and a scheduling interval value; and assuming the MS will determine the size of the burst length field using the bandwidth value and scheduling interval value.
 12. The method of claim 1 further including: encoding an index field for transmission; transmitting the index field; wherein the encoded index field includes: a fixed sized portion, and a variable sized portion, wherein the size of the variable sized portion is related to the value of the fixed size portion; and wherein the value of the index field is calculated as: if the value of the fixed sized portion is non-positive, one plus the value of the variable sized portion, and if the value of the fixed sized portion is positive, one plus the value of the variable sized portion plus two to the power of the sum of the value of the fixed sized portion and an predetermined exponential offset value.
 13. An apparatus comprising: a wireless transceiver configured to: establish a connection with at least one mobile station (MS); transmit, to the MS, a message that includes a burst length field; a controller configured to: allocate communication resources, in resource blocks, to the MS; select a size of a burst length field based in part upon a bandwidth and a scheduling interval used to communicate with the MS; a memory configured to store the burst length field; and wherein the value of the burst length field indicates to the MS the number of resource blocks allocated to the MS for purposes of communication.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the controller is configured to: determine the bandwidth used for communication with the MS, determine a value corresponding to the scheduling interval used to communicate with the MS, and use a look-up table based upon the bandwidth and the value corresponding to the scheduling interval to select the size of the burst length field; and wherein the memory is configured to store the look-up table.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the burst length field includes: a fixed sized portion; and a variable sized portion, wherein the size of the variable sized portion is related to the value of the fixed size portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the fixed size portion of the burst length field includes a fixed number of bits.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to: determine a maximum number of possible resource blocks based upon the bandwidth and scheduling interval; computing a maximum size of the variable sized portion by calculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of resource blocks minus one; and computing a fixed sized portion by, for a size of the fixed portion by calculating, subject to a maximum value, the binary logarithm of a binary logarithm, subject to a minimum value, of the maximum number of possible allocated resource blocks minus one, one minus the exponential offset value.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to: determine a number of resource blocks assigned to the MS; and compute the value of the fixed sized portion by: calculating an integer portion of a binary logarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, subtracting a predetermined exponential offset value from the integer portion of the binary logarithm, and setting the result to zero if the value is negative, and converting the final value in the binary format with the fixed number of bits.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to: compute the size of the variable sized portion by: calculating the integer portion of the binary logarithm of one less than the number of allocated resource blocks; wherein the smallest size of the variable sized portion equals one plus a predetermined exponential offset value.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to: compute the value of the variable sized portion as: if the value of the fixed sized portion is zero, the value of the variable sized portion equal to the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, and if the value of the fixed sized portion is greater than zero, the value of the variable sized portion equal to: the number of allocated resource blocks minus one, minus two to the power of the integer portion of the binary logarithm of the number of allocated resource blocks, and converting the final value in the binary format with the size given by the variable sized portion
 21. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the controller is configured to: if the number of allocated resource blocks is less than or equal to one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, select a size of the burst length field that is equal to or less than the binary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks; and if the number of allocated resource blocks is greater than one-fourth a maximum number of possible resource blocks, select a size of the burst length field that is greater than the binary logarithm of the maximum number of possible resource blocks.
 22. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit a message that indicates an encoding scheme used to encode the burst length field.
 23. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to: broadcasting a message to the MS that indicates a bandwidth value and a scheduling interval value; and wherein the wireless controller is configured to: assuming the MS will determine the size of the burst length field using the bandwidth value and scheduling interval value.
 24. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the controller is configured to: encode an index field for transmission; wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit the index field; wherein the encoded index field includes: a fixed sized portion, and a variable sized portion, wherein the size of the variable sized portion is related to the value of the fixed size portion; and wherein the value of the index field is calculated as: if the value of the fixed sized portion is non-positive, one plus the value of the variable sized portion, and if the value of the fixed sized portion is positive, one plus the value of the variable sized portion plus two to the power of the sum of the value of the fixed sized portion and an predetermined exponential offset value. 